The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have carved out a luxury life together in Montecito, along with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. They reside in a jaw-dropping family mansion with nine bedrooms, a swimming pool, a wine cellar and incredible sweeping grounds. However, their paradise location in a popular celebrity enclave doesn’t stop them from being subject to Mother Nature.
The area has previously been subject to extreme weather including significant mudslides causing evacuations, and experts are worried that once the summer season is over and rains fall again, more floods could be on their way. The worry centres around San Ysidro Creek, which is very close to Harry and Meghan’s gated community.
The Montecito Journal reports that government plans are in place for a long-term solution to the issue, but locals are worried about this upcoming autumn/winter season.
Harry and Meghan’s warning from previous owner
© InstagramPrevious mudslides have affected former Montecito resident Ellen DeGeneres who was once forced to evacuate her own property due to the flooding and landslides in the area.
Terry Cunningham is the millionaire businessman who built Harry and Meghan’s home, which is known as the Chateau of Riven Rock. It took him four years to meticulously build it, but he has since admitted he didn’t consider the weather threats of the area.
Terry told the Mail on Sunday: “We sure as hell didn’t think about it [the mudslides] when we were building, but certainly it’s something I would be thinking about now.”
Despite the weather warnings, the property has been a very lucrative move for the Sussexes. According to TMZ, the Duke and Duchess spent $14.65 million on the property, however, a Zillow estimate explains their mammoth Montecito mansion has now doubled in value and is worth $29 million.
Portuguese purchase
In recent years that have also branched out with another property purchase, this time in Portugal. The couple are reportedly working on renovations, overhauling the interiors.
Knight Frank’s Global House Price Index revealed in Q2 of 2025 that Portugal had an 18 per cent annual growth, being one of the fastest-growing European housing markets. Therefore, it would be an extremely savvy place to make a purchase.
It is no coincidence that Prince Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie, with whom he remains close, also resides in Portugal. With a European base, just hours away from the UK, many royal watchers are hoping this will mean more trips for Prince Harry and his family to see the royal family.
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